Leading an independent existence while being cared for is the ideal situation for every individual. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of older adults aged 65 and above in the country are classified as socially isolated. Assisted and independent living facilities offer a sense of support to the elderly while providing a safe, comfortable space for a blissful existence. Here are some tips for seniors to find the best assisted and independent living facilities:

Know the difference between assisted and independent living
Although both assisted and independent living facilities provide a sense of community and belongingness to seniors, the two types of facilities have one major difference. Assisted living facilities additionally provide help with activities of daily living (ADL) to older adults who require assistance to carry out their daily tasks like bathing and eating. In contrast, independent living facilities are suitable for older adults who can perform these activities without assistance. Understanding this difference can help older adults look for assisted or independent living facilities based on their conditions.

Check out the senior activities organized by the facility
Community living facilities are intended to ensure physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being for older adults. Hence, besides providing basic healthcare and support facilities, assisted and independent living facilities should organize interesting activities for seniors to facilitate interactions and stimulate their minds. These activities should also be varied to cater to the specific interests of different individuals. Craft sessions, movie nights, game nights, and book clubs are some such activities organized by reputed facilities for the elderly.

Check the amenities provided at the facility
Another aspect to consider is the amenities provided within the facility. Community living implies that individuals should be able to have almost all of their requirements fulfilled within the premises of the facility. Thus, senior living facilities should offer amenities such as a library, salon, computer room, fitness center, and entertainment zone.

Enquire about the meal plans offered
Independent and assisted living facilities should serve at least three full, wholesome meals a day. Moreover, since older adults may have specific health conditions or may develop them at some point in the future, one should look for facilities offering customized meal plans and access to dietitians or nutritionists within the premises. For example, such living facilities should offer diabetic-friendly meals and foods low in trans fats. Gluten-free and lactose-free options should be made available for individuals with gluten and/or lactose intolerance. Further, it should cater to individual food preferences, offering vegan and vegetarian meal options.

Understand the safety features
Safety should be the first priority for any independent or assisted living facility. Thus, it is important to check out all the safety features and protocols at a facility before finalizing it. Standard safety features include:

• Fall-proof interiors
• Emergency alert systems
• Comprehensive security systems
• Natural disaster evacuation plans
• The availability of staff members during emergency situations at any given time

Check out the location and room size vis-a-vis the cost
The charges levied by assisted and independent living facilities largely depend on the location and room size, together with other factors like the amenities offered and staff expertise. It is important to evaluate all such features carefully and compare the costs of different living facilities vis-a-vis these factors. According to Genworth Financial estimates, the average cost of assisted living facilities in 2021 was $4,500 per month. In general, the amount charged by these facilities may range from $1,500 to $6,000.

Enquire about staff training and expertise
The staff members at independent and assisted living facilities should be well-trained to deal with the challenges faced by seniors and genuinely empathetic toward these issues. Moreover, these staff members should have considerable experience in providing assistance to seniors. Finally, the facility should have adequate staff members from different areas of expertise, including personal caregivers, mental health professionals, doctors, and nutritionists.